21 Days to Brighter Skin

Wake up your complexion and get your glow on—in three weeks!

Certain skin-care ingredients work as both antiagers and brighteners. Prescription retinoids—vitamin A derivatives found in products such as Retin-A Micro and Differin—though marketed as blemish treatments are also potent antiaging brightening agents. Besides retinoids yielding better skin texture including diminished wrinkles and brown spots, research done at the University of Michigan suggests that they also have the power to stop photoaging before it starts: After UV exposure, they prevent the rise of collagenase, which is what breaks down collagen. Regular use of a retinoid product also increases the amount of new collagen formed, which further contributes to soft, supple skin.

For an over-the-counter brightening and antiaging fix, try creams containing retinol. Though weaker than doctor-prescribed retinoids, retinols are less irritating than their prescription-strength cousins and may be a better option for sensitive skin types.